Change maker



y 1931- L. H. LARSEN ET AL 1,806,107

CHANGE MAKER Filed July 13, 1928 3 Sheets- Sheet 1 1' U 504 251 w l gg 1 S 13 11a a, 0 mum: 7'

Illlillii v Q mum] 13 55 5g 55 DEF. 504 DER25 DER l0 I 25 CENTS w 10 cElvrs l0 cE/ws ll 5 [VIC/(5L5 J/v/c/ras 2 45 Lsosmv May 19, 1931.

| H. LARSEN ET AL CHANGE MAKER s Shets-Sheet 2 Filed July 13. 1928 INVENTORS cz/Fra/v n4, xcw

y 9, 1931. L. H. LARSEN ET-AL 1,806,107

CHANGE MAKER Filed July 13. 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS [00/5 6- asew X czxrra/v M/v/xa/v ATTORNEY Patented May 19, 1931 LOUIS H. LABSEN, UNION CITY,

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NEW JERSEY, AND CLINTON W. MON, 03 NEW YORK, N. Y.

Application filed July 13,

This invention relates to a change-maker, and more particularly to a coin-controlled change-maker of a selective type wherein the coin to be exchanged is deposited in the machine in conformity with a dial on which an index finger, synchronized with changeholders, is employed to indicate what denominations of change coins may be obtained upon operation of the machine.

The main object of the invention is the provision of a simple, strong compact and emcient construction of change-maker which may be usedin general for mechanically returning various coins in exchange for deposited coins of different denominations.

It is within the province of the resent invention to make provision for the elivery of a wide variety of different denominations of coins in exchange for various denominations of deposited coins, and further to make. provision for quickly and readily varying the character of the change combinations from one particular kind or number of change denomination to another.

The particular machine illustrated and de-, scribed herein has been designed in particular for delivering or returning various change coins in exchange for the deposit of a halfdollar, or of a quarter, or of a dime; and we desire to make it understood thatin thus illustrating a. particular embodiment of our invention, we have not intended to limit the broader aspects thereof to a machine adapted to change these particular coins only. The machine involves principles of general application which may be variously adapted and modified for delivering or returning change,

not only for half-dollars, quarters, and dimes, but also for other denominations of coins now in use, or which may henceforth come into use, as well as forchecks, tokens, or other symbols of authenticity.

More specifically considered, the machine P of the present embodiment-involves a multiplicity of coin-holders, constructed and arranged for quick detachment and interchangeability in order to provide for ready variation of the change combinations; and v ment of quick ,1

it also involves a novel arran detachable and interchangea 1e coin ejectors Serial No. 292,867.

adapted to have attachments applied thereto or to be structurally varied so as to effect the change combinations; this arrangement being such that upon dialing a selected change combination, the coin-holders and ejectors corresponding thereto will bein delivery position, so that upon the deposit of the denomination ofcoin to be exchanged and upon further operating the handle, the coins md cated by the selected change combination will be delivered.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a change-maker of the character described, capable of utilizing the coin testing device, or a suitable adaptation thereof, constituting the subject matter of a contem' oraneously-pending application, to wit, erial No. 253,410, filed Feb. 10,1928, by Clifton W. Nixon one of the joint inventors herein. A further object is the provision of a changemaker capable ofutilizing as a feature thereof the coin-controlled carrier form of transmission connecter constituting the subject matter of a contemporaneously-pending application,

to Wit, Serial No. 197,075, filed June 7, 1927 w by said Clifton W; Nixon. A still further obj ect of the invention is the provision of a change-maker capable of utilizing for the operation of the rotary structure and the transmission connecter, the handle operated mechanism disclosed in a contemporaneously-pending application, to wit, Serial No. 197,076, filed J une-7 1927, by said Clifton W. Nixon; or that improved construction thereover which is disclosed in a contemporaneously 266,798, filed Apr. 2, 1928, by Louis H. Larsen and Samuel C. McKeown said first named party being the same Louis H. Larsen who is a joint inventor herein. Cross references are hereby made to said applications. The handle operated mechanism herein illustrated by w y of example is u stantially the same ending application, to wit, Serial No.-

.struction and in the arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invent-ion will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which Fig. 1 represents a front view of a change maker produced in accordance with the pres ent invention, the handle being in section;

Fig. 2'represents on a larger scale a vertical section through the machine from front to rear;

Fig. 2a represents one of the dial plates, showing matter in explanation of a change combination Fig. 3 represents a plan and section, more or less diagrammatic incharacter, taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 represents a fra mentary view in plan and section, showing the bell crank actuators, the slides connected therewith for receiving and operating the coin ejectors, and showing also how the bases of the coin-holders may be detachably secured to the ring platform;

Fig. .5 represents a top plan view of the coin-controlled carrier form of transmission connecter;

Fig. 6 represents a cross section through a coin-holder, the ring platform for the coinholders, and the guide ring for the coin-ejectors, this view also showing in side elevation a coin-ejector provided with an attachment for ejecting a number of coins at one time;

Fig. 7 represents a cross section taken on the line 77 of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 represents'a perspective view of a coin-holder detached from the ring platform.

The preferred form of construction, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example, comprises a casing or cabinet 10 of any suitable type or construction for housing the various mechanisms and devices, the casing being provided exteriorly as shown in Fig. 1 with a face panel 11 having therein a circular aperture 12 in open'communication with the upper end of a vertical slot 13. The purpose of the circular aperture is to provide for the rotation of an operating handle 14:, while the purpose of the slot 13.

is to provide for'the pivoting movement of said handle and at the same time to serve as a guide for preventing any turning of the handle during its pivoting movement. In the upper end of theface panel 11 are provided the coin deposit slots *15, 16 and 17 designed in the present instance to receive, respectively, a dime, a quarter and a half-dollar, to be exchanged for coins of smaller denomina tions. Arranged adjacent the face panel 11 is a dial '18 provided with a suitable index finger 19. At the lower end of the casing or cabinet is a delivery receptacle 20 for receiving the discharged change coins such delivery receptacle being open exteriorly'of the casing where ready access may be had thereto by the patrons of the machine.

Within the casing or cabinet is provided a suitable rotary device, by preference in the form of a spider structure 21 supporting thereon for rotation therewith a ring platform 22 provided at itsinner circumference with an internal gear 23. A rotary axis shaft 24, mounted at its lower end upon the casing base 25 by means of a suitable anti-friction structure 26 and near its upper end in framing 27, supports the spider structure and receives rotary movement therefrom. The top surface of the ring platform has an annular shoulder 28 separating an inner annular surface 29 from an outer annular surface 30 at a lower elevation. Upon the lower surface 30are mounted in close compact arrangement a circular series of coin-holders 31, while u on the higher surface 29 are mounted coineyectors 32, there being in the present embodiment one coin-ejector for each coin-holder. According to an important feature of the present invention, the coin-holders and coinejectors are individually detachable, so as to be replaced or interchanged as desired in order to make provision for a-great variety of change combinations. The coin-holders contain the change to b dispensed in exchange for the coin inserted through the coin deposit slots; and they differ-in size as desired or as may be necessary in order to provide the various change combinations. While the coin-holders may have different diameters in order to accommodate different denominations of coins, they are nevertheless provided with base plates 33 having the same form and area, the entire arrangement and lay out in this regard being such that standardized base plates will serve for use in connection with coin-holders of the largest diameters intended to be employed. The standardized base plates are. herein shownas provided with suitable countersunk openings 34 adapted to receive headed screws 35 or equivalent means for detachably securing them in place upon the lower surface 30. Columns of coins, placed within the coinholders, are supported upon the top surface of the base plates 33; and the thickness of the standardized base plates is such that the coinejectors 32, slidable transversely of the ring platform upon the higher surface 29 thereof, will enterrear openings 36 in the coin-holders and discharge the lowermost coin or coins, as the case may be,,out throughthe front openings 37 ofthe coinholders. The coinejectors are slidably maintained in place upon the higher surface 29 of the ring platform by means of guides 38 detachably secured by screws 39 or equivalent means upon said higher surface 29. Preferably and as shown the coin-ejectors and their guides are intershouldered as shown at 40 in Fig.7. In this way, there is provided for each coin-holder an individual coin-ejector; both the coin; holder and coin-ejector being mounted for quick detachment so that they may be readily interchanged or replaced as conditions of use require. It will be apparent that the rear and front openings 36 and 37 of the coin-holders may be made to provide for the discharge of more than one coin at each thrusting operation of the, coin-ejector. V] here more than one coinis to be discharged at one time, the accompanying ejector is provided as shown in Fig. 8 with an attachment 41 or equivalent means adapted to push out the number of coins in excess of one, for

which it is intended.

leans in the form of a stationary guide ring 42 are provided to maintain the coinejectors in proper position for receiving the thrusting impulse when along with their coin-holders they are in station or delivery position, and further to maintain them against inward or outward movements during the time they are carried by the rotary structure through the circuit to station or delivery position. Said guide ring 42 has an annular groove 43 therein for receiving suitable pins 44 dependingfrom the ejector-s near the inner ends thereof, said pins 44, when the e ectors are in station or delivery position for receiving a thrusting mpulse,

being adapted to escape through suitable slots 45 in guide ring.

. As the coin-ejectors are brought into station or delivery position for the ejection of coins from the coin-holders into a delivery chute 46 which leads to the delivery receptacle 20, suit-able pins 47 upwardly project- 1ng from the coin-ejectors enter transverse grooves 48 provided for the purpose in the lower faces of heads 49 provided at the outer ends, of the slide means through which the thrusting -movements are imparted to the coin-e] ector's. In the present exemplification,

the slide means are shown to comprise three slide members 50, 51 and52 mounted for individual reciprocation in a platform 53 held by frame parts 54 depending from an overhead structure 55, said platform being thus supported within the circle of coinholders. Each of the slide members 50, 51

and 52 has its head 49, as best shown in Fig. 4,

provided with a transverse groove 48 which is curved in agreement with the curvature of the grooves 43 in the guide ring 42. In the present instance, the head 49 on the slide member 52 has a shoulder 56 engaging behind a shoulder 57 on the head of slide member 51; this arrangement being such that the slide member 51 will be thrust with the thrusting movement of slide member 52,

while said slide member 51 is at all times free to be moved individually-without efiecting the movement of the slide member 52.

The slide members 50, 51 and 52 operatively embrace, respectively, bell crank actuators 58, 59 and 60, mounted on a common pivot shaft 61 to be partially rotated there-- shaft 61 and converging towards their rear parallel ends 65 which lie at opposite sides of the shaft 24 upon a collar 66 thereon. Suitable spring means 57, attached at 68 to the lift frame and at 69 to the casing base 25, resiliently maintain the lift frame, bell crank actuators and connected slide members in proper position for actuation, and further promptly repositions these parts as well as any coin-ejectors coupled or interengaged with the heads of the slide members, after each actuation thereof. By this arrangement, each bell crankactuator, upon. being operated toward the casing front 70, raises the lift frame 63 and a sleeve 71 resting upon the parallel ends 65, said sleeve being loosely mounted on the axis shaft 24.

It will be apparent that the operation of the bell crank actuator 60 toward the casing front will impart thrusting movement to both of the slide members 52 and 51 and hence to the coin-ejectors coupled with the heads thereof; while the operation of hell crank actuator 59 will impart thrusting' movement to slide member 51 only, it being noted in the present instance that the head on slide member 51 is of sufiicient expanse one time. The operation of bell crank actuator 58 effects the operation of its connected slide member '50 and the coin-ejector coupled with the head thereof. During the turning of the rotary structure, pins 47 of to engage and, operate two coin ejectors at the coin-ejectors can pass' freely through the coin-ejectors' In the present embodiment,

Q operated mechanism and of the coin-contherefore, the total number of coin-holders, which is forty, is divided into ten sets or change combinations, each of which consists of four coin-holders. Now the'arrangement of parts, as herein illustrated, is such that each time the operating handle 14, which is of rectangular form in cross section, is turned into position to enter the slot 13, a set of four coin-holders will be in station or delivery position before the slide members; and in order precisely to position the rotary structure when a set of coin-holders is in stationor delivery position, diametricall opposite spring urged rollers 76 engage slmultaneouslyin arcuate seats or notches 77 provided in the outer circumferential edge of the ring platform 22. The rollers 76 enter and leave eachseat or notch 77 over an inwardly sloping edge 78. By the concerted action of the spring urged rollers 76 on the sloping edges 78, the rotary structure is precisely self-centered before the handle can be moved into slot 13, that is to say, a set of coinejectors is in station or delivery position for the pins 44 to escape through the outlet slots 45 in the guide ring when the handle, which is the generator of power for operating the bell crank actuators, isin position for pivoting movement in the slot 13. Said rollers 76 are carried by plungers 79 slidably mounted in open ended cylinders 80. Coiled springs 81 within the cylinders urge the plungers outwardly. The cylinders 80 are carried by suitable brackets 82 secured to appropriate frame parts; In this connection it is to be noted thatbecause of the provision of the seats 77 and spring urged rollers 76, the rotary structure cannot be rotated too rapidly.

In the present instance, we show three sets a of like change combinations, which are indicated on the dial 18 by three dial plates a,

- all distinguished by hearing green indications of color. Two sets b of like change combinations are distinguished by dial plates 12. Further, three sets 0 are distinguished by dial plates 0' in red, while two sets (1 are shown by dial plates (1' in blue. By preference, the dial plates are rectangular in form; and as illustrated in Fig. 211 they are divided into vertical columns 83, 84 and 85 showing,

respectively, the denominations of coins delivered by the machine in exchange for the deposit of a halfwdollar, quarter, and dime.

At this point, in orderthat the preferred embodiment of our change-maker as illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example, may be readily understood it is deemed best to describe briefly the ada tation and arrangement herein of the ban le trolled carrier form of transmission connectfor the handle controlled mechanism, is

mounted to have two distinct movements,

' shown a coinviz., rotary movement. and pivoting movement. The rear portion of the handle is mounted for rotation in and extends through, a bearing block 86 supported solely b a fulcrum pin 87 for rocking movement 0 frame 88 secured to a cross piece 89. By turning the handle, rotary movement is im arted to the spider structure21 throu h sli' ing connections 90, short shaft 91, evel gears 92, shaft 93, spur gears 94, shaft 95, and spur gear 96 which is in driving engagement with internal gear 23 on the spider structure. The pivoting movement of the handle consists in downward and upward strokes whereby the bearing block is rocked on its 'fulcrumpin, the downward stroke or depression of the handle bein rovided in order to move a pull-bar 97, w 10b is pivoted at 98 to the frame 88, upwardly and rearwardly on an arc. This operation is accomplished through bell crank lever 99, which is pivoted at 100 to frame 88, and a link 101 having one end thereof pivoted to said bell crank lever and the other end thereof pivoted to the draw-bar 97. Said bell crank lever 99 has a lost motion connection at 102 with the bearing block 86. A weighted arm 103 having one end thereof fixed to the fulcrum pin 87 normally kee s the handle in elevated position within tlie circular aperture 12. With this construction, the handle when within the circular aperture is freely rotatable for turning the spider struct' ure in either direction; and the preferred gearing ratio is such that one complete revolution of the'handle will turn the spider structure a distance sufii'cient to move one set of coin-holders'from station position and the next adjacent set into station position.

The coin-controlled carrier, which serves as a transmission connecter between the'drawbar 97 and the bell crank actuators, .com-

spaces difier in sue to accommodate the de- 6 nominations of coins to be exchanged. Thus,

with strip 104 is, shown a coin-space 117 adapted to receive a dime; with strip 105 is ace 118 adapted to receive a quarteigand with strip 106 is shown a coinspace 119 adapted to receive a half-dollar. The slides.117 have movement relatively to their heads 116, being provided with pins 120 slidable in elongated slots 121. By springs pieces 107 and 108 which are furnished with n 7 122, connecting the pins 120 with pins 123 fixed to the strips, the slides are drawn toward their heads to clamp the coins inthe coin-spaces. Ihe slides carry laterally pro ]ecting pins 124 which cooperate with stop pins 125 depending from the frame plate 55 to adjust the slides and make the coin-spaces of coin receiving size as the carrier is retracted to the abutment block. As the carrier is advanced from the abutment block, the tensioned slides clamp any coins reposing in the coin-spaces. To the strip 105 is pivoted at 126 a ull-bar 127 suitably hooked to be engaged by the draw-bar 97 for the advancemerit of the spring tensioned carrier away from the abutment block.

When, in operation, a slide 117 clamps a I coin against its coo crating head 116, it is thereby rendered e 'ective upon the carrier being drawn to extreme position from the abutment block to engage the hooked end of a pivoted catch bar 128 with the hooked end 62 of the corresponding bell crank actuator, so that upon the retiring movement of the carrier toward the abutment block, the engaged bell crank actuator will also be drawn forwardly to efiect a discharge of the change. Where there is no coin in the coin space, a slide will not be connected with its bell crank actuator, its catch-bar 128 falling short of engagement with the hooked end 62 thereof,

because of the lost motion of the slide occasioned'by the disengagement of the pin 124 from the stop pin 125. Just prior to the return of the carrier to its position of rest against the abutment block and after the coins have been discharged, the engaged bell v crank actuator is released for its movement to starting position because of the engagement of a cam portion 129 on the catch-bar 128 with a trip device 130. To put the returning movement of a carrier toward the abutment block positively beyond the control of the handle and under the control of the retractile springs 112 a kick-up pin 131 which rests upon the sleeve 71 to rise therewith, engages the pull-bar 127 and disconnects the same completely from the drawbar 97..

Ihe index finger 19 on the dial 18 is operated in s'ynchromsm with the s ider structure by any suitable means, that s own comprising a'shaft 132 to which the index finger is attached, co-operatin bevel gears 133, and shaft 134 which clause a bevel gear 135 in engagement with-a similar gear 136 on the axis shaft 2A.

From the coin deposit 'slots 15, 16 and 17 the deposited coins are led to the respective coin-spaces 117, 118 and 119 through the instrumentality of a coin testing device 137, preferably of thetype fully disclosed in the application above referred to.

The operation of the carrier may be regulated and steadied through the employment of a piston 138 in an air cylinder 139, said piston being suitably connected by a rocking arm 140 with the cross plate 113 of the carrier.

In operation, the handle 14 is turned until the index finger 19 points to the dial plate showing the selection of change desired. W'ith the selection dialed and with the handle in position to be depressed,-the corresponding set of coin-holders Will be in station or delivery position. Thereupon, upon depositing a dime, a quarter, or a half-dollar, and upon depressing the handle, the exact change \villbe delivered into the delivery receptacle 20. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4 each set of coin-holders a comprises a column of quarters, a column of dimes and two columns of nickels, arranged so that when this set is in station or delivery position the column of quarters will come opposite slide member 52, the column of dimes and one column of nickels opposite slide member 51, and the remaining column of nickels opposite slide member 50, it be ing noted thatfrom the column of nickels opposite slide member 51, three nickels are discharged at one operation while-for the column of nickels opposite slide member 50 two nickels are discharged at one operation. If a half-dollar be deposited, there Will be discharged in accordance with the dial plate shown in Fig. 2a, one quarter,'one dime and three nickels. If a quarter be deposited, one dime and three nickels will be discharged. If a dime be deposited, two nickels will -be discharged. In Fig. 3, we have disclosed under the various sets of coin-holders marked a, b, 0 and (Z, various desirable change combinations. By means of this system or arrangement, any change combination that may be required for the coins now in common use,

may be provided.

While we have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction for carrying our invention into eflect, this is capable of variation and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. We, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth but desire to avail ourselves of such variations and modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims. I

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

coin to be exchanged, and means for discen are ne'cting said device from said operating element to place the former under the control of its retractile means.

2. In a change-maker, consisting of a rotary structure and a transmission connecter with coin-controlled devices adapted to be operated by different denominations of coins,

actuators with connected slides arranged to be operated by said devices through the power of said connecter, a multiplicity of coinholders on said structure provided with individual ejectors adapted selectively to bethrou h the power of said connecter, a multiplicity of coin-holders on said structure provided with individual ejectors adapted selectively to be brought into position to be moved to and fro byv said slides, and means efli'ective for repositioning said actuators and connected slides.

I 4. Ina change-maker, consisting of a rotary structure and a transmission connecter with coin-controlled devices adapted to be operated by diiierent denominations of coins, actuators with connected slides arranged to be operated by said devices through the power of said connecter, sets of coin-holders on said structure provided with ejectors adapted selectively to be brought into position to be operated by said slides, a dial synchronized to turn with said structure and bearing indications identifying said sets of coinholders.

*5. In a change-maker, in combination, a movable structure, a transmission connecter with coin-controlled devices, actuators operable by said devices, slides operable by said actuators, a handle having one movement for moving said structure and another movement for moving said connector to effect the operation of said actuators and slides, and a multiplicity. of'coin-holders associated with said structure and having ejectors adapted to be brought into couphng relation with. said slidesysaid coin-holders with their ejectors being interchangeable to vary their relationship individually with respect to said slides.

6. In a change-maker, in combination, a rotary structure, a transmission connecter with coin-controlled devices, actuators o erable by said devices, slides controlled by said actuators, a ring platform on said structure provided with equi-spaced notches, spring cushioned rollers turning on said platform and into and out of said notches, said rollers being located to center said structure in relation to saidslides, a multiplicity of coinholders mounted on said platform, and ejectors for said coin-holders adapted selectivel to be brought into coupling relation with sai slides. v

I 7. In a change-maker, in combination, a movable structure, a transmission connecter with coin-controlled devices, retractile springs acting on said connecter, actuators operable by said devices, slides operable by said actuators, means for moving said structure, means for moving said connecter against the urge of its springs, means for transferring the control of said connecter from its moving means to its springs as a coin-controlled unit partially operates an actuator and a multiplicity of coin-holders mounted on said structure and having ejectors adapted selectively to be brought into coupling relation with said slides.

8. A change-maker havin a plurality of "slides, a handle, coin-contro ed means for operating said slides, means for connecting said handle with said coin-controlled means, a multiplicity of coin-holders movable in a path to be brought selectively into relation with said slides, and ejectors controlling the discharge of coins from the coin-holders, ar-

ranged to be engaged and operated by said slides.

9. A change-maker having a plurality of ture with a multiplicity of coin-holders,

ejectors for said coin-holders arran ed on said structure for movement to and r0 and adapted to be cooperatively cou led with said. slide, and guide means for 'recting said ejectors into and out of cooperative coupling relation with said slide.

11. In a change-maker, embodyin coincontrolled means and a structure wit a series of coin-holders, a handle, means for con.-

necting said handle with said coin-controlled means, ejectors associated with said coinholders, an actuator depending for its operation upon the operatlon. ofv said coin-controlled means, and a plurality of slides oper able by said actuator and arranged to estab:

li'sh and disestablish an operative connection with selected ones of the ejectors.

12. A change-maker having a pluralit of ceivin a different denomination of coin to I coin-controlled devices, each capable 0 *re be exc anged a transmission connecter carrying the coin-controlled devices, a corresponding plurality of actuators engageable by the coin-controlled devices and operable thereby throngh the power of said connecter,

a corresponding plurality of slides operable by the actuators, a multiplicity of coin-holders with individual ejectors, and means for establishing and disestablishing an operative connection between said slides and selected ones of the ejectors.

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification. J

LOUIS H. LARSEN, 1 CLIFTON W NIXON.- 

